TigerTurf elite synthetic turf for Overland Park, Kansas City

Overland Park, the second largest city in the Kansas City metropolitan area, with one of the highest levels of soccer participation per capita in the nation, will soon be synonymous with elite soccer facilities. Construction began last month on the nation's largest high profile synthetic turf complex to date that features 12 tournament-caliber soccer fields - manufactured in the U.S. by leading global turf manufacturer TigerTurf. Part of a $36 million sport and recreational project, the complex will begin hosting national, regional and local soccer in Fall 2009.

The new state-of-the-art facility will feature 1.2 million square feet of advanced TigerTurf synthetic turf technology, designed for competitive soccer at all levels.

"We're seeking to create a world class soccer complex that provides a quality facility for local, regional and national tournaments," said Dan Miller, City Engineer and project manager for the City of Overland Park. "With the many amenities such as lighting on all fields, multiple concession buildings, play systems for children, and much more, it is an ideal location for the whole family."

A global company headquartered in New Zealand, TigerTurf systems are manufactured on four continents and used in 85+ countries, with numerous FIFA-licensed systems in play throughout the world. Charles Fleishman, TigerTurf Americas director, stated "We're proud to be chosen by the City of Overland Park for this project - with the City's careful planning and foresight, this new facility will rival any of the world's top soccer facilities." He added, "the opportunity to see our R&D efforts play out in a complex of this size and quality, which will accommodate all levels of athletes, is extremely gratifying."

As for Miller, he stated simply "this is a big job. Working with the right people will ensure its success in our community and for U.S. soccer."

TigerTurf International is one of the largest synthetic turf manufacturers in the world, with headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand, and wholly-owned subsidiaries in Australia, the United Kingdom and the Americas. The company owns and operates a global network of manufacturing facilities, most with ISO 9001 certification, serving customers in over 85 countries. The most recent facilities were added in Texas and Brazil in 2007.

TigerTurf develops customized and standard turf solutions for soccer, American football, field hockey, lacrosse, tennis, golf and numerous other sport and landscaping applications. Many of the company's products have passed the stringent testing requirements of FIFA, FIH, ITF, IRB, World Bowls and other sport governing bodies.

A member of the Synthetic Turf Council, all TigerTurf systems are tested to meet current lead and heavy metal compliancy standards.

About Overland Park's New Recreational Facility
In addition to 12 TigerTurf systems, which will be available for use in Fall 2009, Overland Park's new recreational facility will include concession buildings, a multipurpose field house, playgrounds and new parking. Existing baseball fields and relocated tennis, skate and basketball facilities will also be part of the complex.

Adjacent to the site is Deana Rose Children's Farmstead, a 12-acre park featuring animals, gardens, a schoolhouse, barn, pond and more. A new entrance and a joint general store/ice cream parlor will be added to the Farmstead in coming months.